People Friendly Streets

People-Friendly Streets Projects

People-Friendly Streets is an initiative focused on creating streets that are safe and comfortable for all users, of all abilities. People-Friendly Streets meet the following criteria: (adapted from the Ann Arbor Downtown Street Design Manual)

ENHANCE ENJOYMENT & INTEREST
Streets that are fun and interesting and celebrate the character of downtown. They invite you to linger, to talk to your neighbors and to shop.

People-Friendly Streets, Round 1

Round 1 includes the installation of Ann Arbor’s first two-way protected bikelane on William Street, streetscape improvements on Huron Street, and the restoration of two-way traffic on First and Ashley Street along with a two-way protected bikelane on First Street. For complete information on these projects visit www.peoplefriendlystreets.org.

People-Friendly Streets, Round 2

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, plans for public engagement are currently on hold until further notice. In response to the pandemic the DDA has funded and helped put in place several programs to support downtown businesses and provide additional space for physical distancing. These temporary street programs include weekend street closures and the repurposing of parking spaces to expand the sidewalk area. In addition to these programs and in partnership with the City of Ann Arbor, a series of Healthy Streets Pilot Projects have also been implemented. These 90-pilot projects use City streets to expand safe physical distancing for pedestrians and cyclists based on best practices, work in other cities, and data.

Round 2 will begin in 2020 with an extensive public engagement process focused on actively involving stakeholders and the community in the design and visioning of downtown streets with a focus on State Street and potentially Washington, North University, Division, and Ann or Catherine Streets. The goal of this initiative is to expand the protected bikeway network, address utility and maintenance needs in coordination with City Engineering projects and use infrastructure investments to advance community goals related to affordable housing, sustainability, and Vision Zero.

The State Street Improvement project was established by the DDA in 2017 in coordination with a City street resurfacing and sanitary project scheduled for 2021. The project scope will be informed through the public engagement process. A range of improvements to be considered include but not limited to updated lighting, sidewalk improvements and building vault filling, a protected bikeway, safety & transit stop enhancements, and curbless/event street elements.